Difference Between A and An

A vs An

Summary: Difference Between A and An is that Ais used when the first letter of the word following has the sound of a consonant while Anis used when the first letter of the word following has the sound of a vowel.

Difference between A and An

Both ‘A’ and ‘An’ are articles. According to English grammar both ‘A’ and ‘An’ are articles used with singular nouns. Articles are those words that modifies noun. Articles are of two types:

Definite articles: Referring to specific thing or person

Indefinite articles: Referring to non-specific thing or person

“A” and “An” are indefinite articles; they indicate nouns that is one of many.

The usage of articles ‘A’ and ‘An’ depends upon the initial sound of the word not the initial letter. However, there is no difference in their usage in the sentences. Both are used to point out common nouns

Usage of Article A

A is used before all words that start with a consonant sound.

Usage of An

Anis used before words that start with vowel sound. Vowels include (a, e, I, o, u). Sometimes vowel deviates from this rule as they sound like consonants. So even if a consonant sounds like vowel we will use ‘an’ before it.

Exceptions:

‘An’ is not used with ‘U’ when ‘U’ sounds as ‘EU’ a consonant sound. In this case ‘U’ is preceded by article ‘A’.

Article ‘A’ is used instead of ‘an’ when ‘O’ sounds as ‘W’.

When ‘EU’ or ‘E’ sounds like ‘Y’ then ‘A’ is used.

When ‘H’ is silent then general rule is not followed so here ‘A’ is not used.